Jason M ShepardJason M. Shepard is professor and chair of the Department of Communications at California State University, Fullerton, one of the largest mass communications programs in the United States. His research examines the role of the First Amendment in Amercan democracy, journalism and culture. In his book PRIVILEGING THE PRESS: CONFIDENTIAL SOURCES, JOURNALISM ETHICS AND THE FIRST AMENDMENT, Shepard explores the history and ethics of journalists' protection of confidential sources. He also writes an "Online Legalities" media column for California Publisher. Prior to academia, Shepard spent 10 years working as a journalist. He earned a B.S. in journalism and political science, an M.A. in journalism and a Ph.D. in mass communications and law from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He also has an M.S. in teaching from Pace University. Read More Read Less